“The Divas” Summer Show in Bigfork at the Edge Close Harmony and Lots of Excitement

This will be the fourth time “The Divas” are on stage at the Edge Center in Bigfork. Their performances are noted for music sung in close harmony with fun and excitement. This time they will be celebrating summer and all the fun that it brings to the North Woods.  They mix nostalgia, and the sounds of more recent music all combined with laughs and joy. With a wide variety of music, instruments, and styles, these ladies aim to please the variety of tastes of everyone in the audience. Their mix will not only include the music and songs but the assortment of instruments they play.  The place is the Edge Center in Bigfork on Friday, June 3^rd and the time 7PM.  Price $10 adults. Children $5.

The Stars

Having varied backgrounds, The Divas bring an assortment of many musical tastes, and particularly enjoy playing “their” arrangements of music. Rosie Gams, singing lead, is originally from Embarrass, where she began singing in grade school and sang with several groups before “The Divas”. Sharon Rowbottom, a native of Virginia, started singing at the age of 10 and received a vocal scholarship at Mesabi Community College. She has a varied background from performing with other local bands. Shannon Lee Gunderson is from Rawlins, Wyo. who sings lead vocal and harmony. Starting with piano lessons starting at age four and going to college on a musical scholarship, she also played with several groups including a show band for eight years. Shannon also toured for the USO in the Mediterranean.

“The Divas” are based in Virginia Minnesota, but range as far as their music talents and time will carry them, which include Northern Minnesota and neighboring states. After more than 15 years together, they know what audiences in the Midwest like and meld those “likes” into a repertoire they call “The Spectrum”. Audiences love their close harmony of 30’s and 40’s style music of the days gone by, and their 50’s and 60’s rock and roll which always provides an audience hit.  By adding some country, western, pop folk, and, don’t forget jazz,, the music really earns the title of being a spectrum of good sounds.

The Music

Shannon says of their upcoming visit to the Edge, “We are very excited to return to Bigfork for this fourth performance. We have been very busy with lots of fun gigs in and out of Minnesota, and, of course, getting ready for this upcoming performance. The first half of the program is a combination of three decades of music. We will keep you on the edge of your seat as to which decades they are from, and which is the best!  We will be having lots of banter and fun with all the harmony filled tunes.” The second half of the program will be dedicated to our veterans from all branches of military service throughout the years music,  but the music…”will definitely be the 40’s.  CIRCLING THROUGHOUT THE 40’s to the 60”s”.

Here is a sample of the music from the first half: THAT’LL BE THE DAY, ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK, ME AND BOBBI MAGEE, BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN , I CAN SEE CLEARLY, AND NOW THOSE WERE THE DAYS.

With the second set honoring service men and women of all services and all ages, the Divas picked music is from WWII. This will pull lots of memories up and give you a lasting impression. Here is a sample of the second half music: GOODY GOODY, BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY, MR. SANDMAN, STRIP POLKA, and an all time favorite LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH.

Add to Your calendar

So, for a another good time with “The Divas” special musical talents and a great time to bring in the summer, come and see them at the Edge Center in Bigfork on June 3^rd at 7PM. This show is for the whole family with adult tickets $10 and students $5. See you then and bring your dancing shoes for a swing around the orchestra pit in front of the stage.

Color, Color, and More Color in the 2016 Student Art Exhibit

This year's group of young artists from the Bigfork School in Minnesota will display their talents at the Edge Center Art Gallery from May 5th through the 21st. The art is both creative and colorful. As with each yearly exhibit, this group of new artists will give you a chance to see creations often best made with a young person's early encounters with the creative process. These artists manage to come through with a surprising outlook at the basics of color, texture, and shape, mixed with light and darkness. They are stretching their creativity in ways that may surprise you.  The art show is open through May 24th with a reception in the gallery on May 11th at 4:30PM to 5:30PM. Normal gallery hours are Thursdays, Friday and Saturdays 10AM to 4PM.

As in the past, the art is from Roberta Steinhart’s art classes. This traditional first of the season's exhibits in the gallery will not disappoint you and will show you a wide range of color and uses. Student artwork often reflects aspects of the artist's lives as emerging adults.  The following examples will give you a little taste of the color and creativity.  If you wish, contact the school for more details.